Hopi Pueblo Snow Maiden Kachina By John Piestewa

Late 20th Century

7" H x 3.375" L x 2.75" W

Hand Carved from Cottonwood Root with Great Carved Detail

From a Private Colorado Collection

In Very Good Condition with Broken Rasp in the Right Hand

John Piestewa was a recognized Hopi carver from the Hopi Pueblo (likely associated with villages like Hotevilla), known for traditional-style katsina dolls carved from cottonwood root and painted with natural pigments. He had a distinctive style—sometimes described as "funky" or unique while remaining rooted in tradition—and is documented in resources like Gregory Schaaf's "Hopi Katsina: 1,600 Artist Biographies." He created various katsinam, including examples like Scorpion, Mudhead (Koyemsi), and paired figures (e.g., Shaliko Taka and Mana).

The Snow Maiden specifically appears in ceremonies (often accompanying others like Hemis during the Niman or Home Dance) to pray for winter snows that replenish moisture in the arid Southwest for future growth and renewal.